Strengthening the identification and countering of proliferation financing in the banking sector

On 24 September 2026, Shinhan Bank Vietnam Limited (Shinhan Bank) organised a workshop on countering the financing of terrorism and countering proliferation financing (CFT/CPF), held both in person and online in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. At the invitation of Shinhan Bank, Standing Office 81 sent officers to take part in the training at the Hanoi venue, with the aim of raising awareness, disseminating information and enhancing the knowledge and capacity of Shinhan Bank's officers and staff to identify risks and prevent proliferation financing in the banking sector.

Colonel Dang Huy Hiep, Director of Centre 81, Standing Office 81, speaking

Senior Lieutenant Vu Quang Dai, an officer of Centre 81, Standing Office 81, speaking

The presentations focused on clarifying the concepts of weapons of mass destruction, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and proliferation financing; the stages of proliferation financing; and the distinction between anti-money laundering and countering proliferation financing. In addition, officers of Standing Office 81 also presented the international context, the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the obligations of states and financial institutions in implementing measures to counter proliferation financing, in particular the implementation of targeted financial sanctions (TFS) related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

A key message conveyed was the identification of risks and suspicious indicators in banking activities. Bank officers and staff were guided on the risk-based approach, which requires looking not only at the origin of funds but also at information on customers, beneficial owners, transactions, counterparties, countries and territories, fund flows and the true purpose of transactions.

Through the programme, Shinhan Bank's officers and staff gained additional knowledge and practical skills in identifying proliferation financing risks, helping to improve the effectiveness of TFS implementation, strengthen risk control and prevent the misuse of the financial system for proliferation financing.

Through awareness-raising and professional dissemination activities reflecting public-private cooperation, Standing Office 81 will continue to strengthen cooperation with financial institutions and relevant designated non-financial businesses and professions in raising awareness, proactively identifying risks and fully meeting their obligations to counter proliferation financing, contributing to safeguarding financial security and effectively implementing Vietnam's international commitments in this field./.

Vu Quang Dai – Centre 81